Tired of watching Barbie strut on the treadmill and Ken pump iron at the weight benches? The Dirty 6 Mud Run, a 6-mile tramp through the muck and mire at Rawhide Western Town, lets you leave the Stepford gym behind and have some filthy fitness fun. “It’s less intimidating” than a traditional run, says David Benjes, owner of and event organizer for DCB Extreme Adventures. “It’s fun, it’s challenging. You will get wet, you will get muddy. It’s exercise with distraction.”

Hardcore competitors are encouraged to run a sludge-filled obstacle course that includes a mud crawl, water walls, slip-and-slides, moutain climb, mud pit and giant mud troughs, while the less athletically inclined can opt for the more pedestrian – but just as filthy! – main course. Kids 13 and younger run for free, and weary competitors will find refuge at the Oasis, an aid station providing the parched with cold beer.

Post-race, runners can rinse off in communal showers and donate their muddy shoes and clothes to charity – proof that you can play dirty and do good. For more information and to register, visit dcbadventures.com/Event/dirty-6-spring-mud-run.

Other Extreme RacesThe Night Run: Trade the sun for the stars with The Night Run, an 8K race through Scottsdale residential areas and landmarks benefiting Workshops for Youth and Families, a local nonprofit. Glow sticks are provided and pajamas are welcome. Come early for a three-mile fun run/walk and stay later for live entertainment by the Repeat Offenders. May 12 in Scottsdale. thenightrun.com

5K Foam Fest: Choose your own start time for this freewheeling mess of a run, where the foam and mud flies and wacky costumes are encouraged. Pre- and post-race festivities perpetuate the fun with a foam pit, greased pole, pull-up bar and free temporary tattoos. May 19 at McDonald’s Ranch in Scottsdale. 5kfoamfest.com/location-phoenix.php

Mogollon Monster 100: Start training now for this beast of an endurance test, which winds around and through 106 miles of the Mogollon Rim. Participants climb a total of 18,000 feet of harsh terrain in elevation ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 feet. The Monster is best for seasoned runners seeking an extreme challenge. Sept. 28. mogollonmonster100.com